Secret Codes for Shopping at Target

Those string of numbers on a price tag carry hidden messages. For every retailer it indicates more than the item and price. Usually the last number at the end of the item number will indicate if that item is slated for price reduction.

Some savvy shoppers have deciphered the code on Target's clearance red stickers. In the bottom-left corner of the tag is the item's original price. In the bottom-right corner is the current sale price. And in the top-right corner is the percentage off. Regular prices at Target always end in a "9,"  but clearance items can be priced at 15 percent, 30 percent, 70 percent, 75 percent, or even 90 percent off. 

So we created this cheat sheet for you:

Ends in "4" That's the lowest the price the item will be marked down. Grab it!

Ends in "8" The item will be marked down again.

Ends in "9" Regular priced item

Target has a team of employees who focus on marking down merchandise, and certain departments get marked down on certain days, several frugal bloggers have noted. The general Target markdown schedule is:

Monday: Children's clothing, baby items, electronics, and office supplies/gift wrap/stationary.
Tuesday: Women's clothing, home decor and domestic items

Wednesday: Men's clothing, toys, food, health and beauty, garden items
Thursday: Housewares, lingerie, shoes, sporting goods, luggage

Friday: Cosmetics, jewelry, hardware, automotive, and home improvement

Ask your local Target store associate for their markdown schedule as it varies by location. If you find a reduced item, and it ends in "8", return to the store in about two weeks. However, keep in mind it may not be available. That's the risk.

Other ways to save money at Target:

Watch for the Daily Deal. Bargain shopping sites like Want Not can help you keep track of Target's Daily Deal offerings -- up to five items at a bargain price plus free shipping. 

 Clip (or print) coupons. Target offers plenty of store coupons on their website and through their mobile coupon program, and you can use them in conjunction with the manufacturer's coupons you find online or clip from your local newspaper; maximize your savings by using them on trial-size items when you can. Also, the store sometimes prints high-value coupons at the bottom of your receipt, so check them before you toss them.

Keep your receipt. Target will match prices in a competitor's printed ad as long as the product has the same brand name and model number and the ad is from within seven days of your purchase. They won't match prices from Target.com or other online retailers, but if they put the same item on sale less than a week after you buy it, they'll give you back the difference.

Happy Shopping!